Optimal control with applications in space and quantum dynamics (Q2915494)

This monograph is a welcome piece to the practical theory of optimal control problems governed by ordinary differential equations. The presented mathematical theory is complete in its exposition, but further reading in the literature is needed if one wants to follow the proofs. The book consists of four chapters, introduction, references, and index. The main contribution is in detailed analysis of two practical problems---the optimal transfer problem between Keplerian orbits and a problem in quantum control in Chapters 3 and 4. Both problems are motivated by recent studies of the subject by different research groups in France. Some advances in the theory of the second variation and conjugate points in Chapter 1 are not included (such as the works by \textit{V. Zeidan} and \textit{P. Zezza}, see for example [SIAM J. Control Optimization 26, No. 3, 592--608 (1988; Zbl 0646.49011); ibid. 30, No. 1, 82--98 (1992; Zbl 0780.49018); Appl. Math. Optimization 27, No. 2, 191--209 (1993; Zbl 0805.49012); ``The Jacobi condition in optimal control'', Control theory, stochastic analysis and applications (Hangzhou, 1991), 137--149, World Sci. Publ., River Edge, NJ (1991)]). This book will surely find its place in the library of researchers in pure and applied mathematics, as well as engineers and students.